Inserting Charts
Learn how to insert and customize charts in Microsoft Word to visually represent data from a built-in spreadsheet editor.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
Inserting a Chart
Go to Insert → Chart. The Insert Chart dialog opens with a list of chart types on the left. Select the type you want (such as Column, Bar, Pie, or Line), choose a subtype, and click OK.
Editing Chart Data
After inserting a chart, a small Excel-style spreadsheet opens next to it. Edit the sample data in this window — the chart updates automatically as you type. Close the data window when you are done.
Changing the Chart Type
Right-click the chart and choose Change Chart Type to switch to a different visualization. You can switch between column, bar, line, pie, and many other types.
Chart Design and Format Tabs
Clicking a chart reveals two contextual tabs: Chart Design (for layouts, styles, and data) and Format (for shapes, fills, and text formatting). Use these to customize the appearance of your chart.
Adding Chart Titles and Labels
On the Chart Design tab, click Add Chart Element to add or adjust chart titles, axis titles, data labels, legends, and gridlines.
Applying a Chart Style
In the Chart Design tab, browse the Chart Styles gallery to quickly apply a coordinated color scheme and style to the entire chart.
Knowledge Check
What opens automatically when you insert a chart in Word?
Practice File
Download this file and follow along with the lesson.
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Complete the following tasks:
- Insert a Column chart into the practice document.
- Replace the sample data with your own values (at least 3 categories, 2 series).
- Add a chart title.
- Add data labels to the chart.
- Change the chart type to a Bar chart.
- Apply a chart style from the Chart Design tab.